Thanks hw. I think if likely have to water at least weekly up here in ne gets very hot and dry during summer but the vegetation treatment was what I really needed to learn about. Good tips!
My buddy with the orchard said the fabric or mulch becomes habitat for mice and voles, which like to chew the bark off fruit trees, especially young ones. My three acre orchard is right up in the middle of the hardwoods. Opening this area up has done wonders for the wildlife. I buy 150' rolls of 6" square 5' tall concrete mesh and cut ten 15' sections. I have every fruit tree surrounded by this, works great for keeping the deer off. Too small an area to jump into, big enough to prevent browsing, sturdy enough to stand on their own without t posts. The trees wouldn't stand a chance without it.
